Young horseman Jack Bowlby found dead at school

Jack Bowlby, young showing star and nephew of former racehorse trainer Jenny Pitman, has been found dead at school.

His body was discovered on Friday (12 October) in his room at Cheltenham College. The school said he appeared to have taken his own life.

The 16-year-old, from Wantage, Oxon, was successful in showing – competing Welsh ponies and Connemaras – as well as showjumping. He competed at Horse of the Year show earlier this month.

Dr Peterken, Headmaster of Cheltenham College said: “This has been a terrible shock for the whole college, we are a very close-knit boarding community and it has hit us all very hard indeed. A special chapel service has already been held for Jack and our prayers and thoughts go out to his family, friends and peers.”

Simon Conner, housemaster at the school added: “Jack was a top boy; a star pupil of whom we were all very proud. He was a great contributor to college, a fantastic horse rider and this tragedy has come like a bolt out of the blue. We are devastated.”

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